Fiji is set to benefit from the government’s investments in quality education and research degrees within the next four years, according to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro. During his Ministerial statement in Parliament on Monday, Radrodro noted that a recent visit by a Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service (TSLS) delegation to Australia highlighted a request from sponsored students for a revision of the education curriculum. This adjustment aims to facilitate a smoother transition for students from secondary education to university, particularly in subjects like mathematics, physics, and computer science.
Radrodro emphasized the significant disparities between the curriculum learned in Fiji’s Year 13 and the educational standards at overseas universities. He expressed confidence that the Coalition Government’s commitment to education will support substantial progress in addressing these developmental goals.
With an increase in scholarship opportunities at the undergraduate level and the introduction of new scholarship programs, more Fijians will have the chance to pursue higher education in Australia and New Zealand.
He acknowledged the importance of Australian Awards Scholarships for Fijians but pointed out the lack of monitoring concerning how long graduates remain in Fiji after earning their degrees. Consequently, discussions with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Canberra focused on establishing a bond for students receiving Australia Awards through TSLS. This measure aims to ensure that these graduates serve a minimum of five years in Fiji before being exempted from the service bond.
Radrodro highlighted that Fiji has lost around 2.5 percent of its population due to permanent and circular migration, with Australia being the preferred destination for many. He underscored the challenges the Fijian government faces in investing in workforce development amidst competing national priorities.